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Dubliners’ Barney McKenna RIP

Banjo player Barney McKenna, the last remaining original member of the Dubliners, has passed away in Dublin. Reports suggest that McKenna collapsed at his home and was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The band, due to tour later this year, have issued this statement:

It is with great sadness that The Dubliners announce the sudden passing of Barney McKenna this morning at his home in Howth, Co. Dublin. The band, his family and friends would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support. Words cannot describe how we all feel.

He was one in a million.

The greatest tenor banjo player of his generation, Barney spent his life travelling the world playing Irish music.